Hawks Headlines: Toews Named Top Franchise Player in NHL

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In this Monday edition of Hawks Headlines, we take a look at who NHL bigwigs voted as the league’s top franchise player, which Blackhawks will be participating in the USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp, and a signing that could have an impact on how the Hawks and other NHL squads do business.

-We start out with Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, who was named the top franchise player in the NHL in a survey of executives, coaches, and players by ESPN’s Craig Custance. In the survey, the participants were asked to rank their top-5 franchise players in the league. [CSN Chicago]

-Nick Schmaltz, John Hayden, Tyler Motte, and Anthony Louis are all participating in the USA Hockey evaluation camp this week in Lake Placid, NY. The players could potentially be selected for the World Junior Championship roster, with the tournament being contested in December. [ESPN Chicago]

-Who is your least favorite Blackhawks player of all time? Do you agree with Pat Foley about the uselessness of Alexander Karpovtsev? Do you cringe when you think of Brian Noonan? If you have a least favorite player, then Sam Fels and company want to hear your horror stories. [Committed Indian]

-The New Jersey Devils took a step back last season in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt, but they will be looking to rebound in a big way in the coming year as NHL.com continues their series on each of the 30 teams. [NHL.com]

-Finally, defenseman PK Subban signed an eight-year, $72 million contract to remain with the Montreal Canadiens for the foreseeable future. Hockey fans may all join in a collective “WELL FINALLY” exclamation now. [ESPN]